Search

This study investigated the effect of different harvesting techniques on the recovery rate and quality of bovine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) and their subsequent developmental competence including in vitro maturation, fertilization and blastocyst formation. The COCs were retrieved from slaughter ovaries using aspiration, slicing, or aspiration followed by slicing. The COCs were examined microscopically then classed as A (at least three layers of cumulus), B (two layers of cumulus), C (one layer of cumulus, or degraded cytoplasm) or D (abnormal). The retrieved COCs yields per ovary differed (P≤0.05) between aspiration (2.31±0.21), slicing (6.65±1.65) and aspiration followed by slicing (3.72±1.43). Differences in quality of collected COCs were observed for categories A, B and C but not for category D. Oocyte diameter and in vitro developmental competence did not differ between the retrieving methods. In conclusion, aspiration can recover moderate numbers of oocytes ovary and about half of them can not be retrieved by this method. Therefore when oocyte number is important, aspiration should be avoided and ovaries should be sliced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Virgin Olive oil contains Oleocanthal as an anti-inflammatory agent. The main purpose of this study was to compare the effects of ultrasound therapy and phonophoresis with virgin olive oil on female athletes' chronic Low Back Pain (LBP). Materials and Methods: Thirty female athletes with chronic LBP voluntarily participated in this pilot study. Patients were randomly assigned to Phonophoresis (n=15) and Ultrasound (n=15) groups and were treated with virgin olive oil or ultrasound gel for 10 sessions. Frequency and duration of treatment by ultrasound were 1 MHz and 10-min, respectively. Subjects completed Mc Gill, Modified Oswestry and Ronald-Morris standard questionnaires before and after 10 sessions of physiotherapy. Results: There was a significant reduction in symptoms of LBP based on Mc Gill, Ronald-Morris, and Modified Oswestry questionnaires at the end of the therapy in both groups compared to pre-treatment status (P>0.05). Conclusion: It seems both ultrasound and phonophoresis with virgin olive oil are effective methods for treatment of chronic LBP in female athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]